World Rugby has voted to increase the required residency period in order to be eligible for international rugby from three to five years.

The decision which is said to "promote and protect the integrity and sanctity of international rugby in the modern elite environment" was approved by the World Rugby Council today at its special meeting in Kyoto, Japan.

Vice-chairman Agustin Picho said, “This is an historic moment for the sport and a great step towards protecting the integrity, ethos and stature of international rugby.

“National team representation is the reward for devoting your career, your rugby life, to your nation and these amendments will ensure that the international arena is full of players devoted to their nation, who got there on merit.”

Under previous regulations, international teams were able to field players if they were residents in their country for three years, leading to players such as Ireland's CJ Stander and Jared Payne pulling on the green jersey after being Ireland residents for three years.

Importantly, this increase to five years will take effect from 31 December, 2020, meaning that the likes of Bundee Aki, Tom McCartney and Tyler Bleyendaal will still be able to represent Ireland under the previous three year residency criteria.

A vital aim of the new regulation is to end what are known as "project players", which is the idea that players are enticed away by other nations with the prospect of representing them at international level when eligible.

"This reform of Regulation 8 governing eligibility is an important and necessary step to protecting the integrity and credibility of international rugby," World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said.

"This extension to the residency period within a forward-thinking reform package will ensure a close, credible and established link between a union and players, which is good for rugby and good for fans.

"I would like to thank my union colleagues for their support and in particular the leadership role that Agustin Pichot played in this very important process that has delivered an outcome that is good for the global game."